Paris Masters: Khachanov last player to qualify, Musetti and Ruud fall

Jannik Sinner stepped confidently into the third round of the Rolex Paris Masters on Wednesday, ensuring his title bid stayed on track while major contenders – including Carlos Alcaraz (Monday), Lorenzo Musetti, Casper Ruud, and Grigor Dimitrov – all suffered early exits.

A day after Alcaraz, world No.1 and tournament favourite, was sensationally upset by Cameron Norrie, Sinner made no such misstep against Zizou Bergs. The world No.2 delivered a commanding 6-4, 6-2 performance, extending his win streak on indoor hard courts to 22 matches. Sinner, who now stands a real chance to reclaim the top ATP ranking if he can lift the trophy in Paris, never looked troubled and did not face a single break point against the Belgian.​

“Usually I’ve struggled a bit here, so I’m very happy to come through my first match the way I did,” Sinner reflected. “I was precise on serve and confident from the first game. Now, I’m focused on what’s to come.” He will play Francisco Cerundolo next.​

Dimitrov’s withdrawal

In a day of further upsets, No.7 seed Musetti bowed out in the second round (Sonego), No.8 seed Ruud (Altmaier) fell early, and No.15 seed Dimitrov withdrew against Medvedev, shaking up the bottom half of the draw and leaving the tournament wide open.​

Meanwhile, Wednesday evening saw Russia’s Karen Khachanov, seeded 10th, survive a wild encounter with Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca. Khachanov dominated the opening set, dropped the second as Fonseca swung freely, then recovered to clinch a 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 win thanks to a pair of clutch aces in the deciding set. “That was a real test – Joao played without fear out there,” Khachanov said. “I’m glad I managed my nerves.”

The Russian will now face Australia’s Alex de Minaur, who overcame Canada’s Gabriel Diallo in straight sets (6-7, 6-4, 6-3) with his usual blend of consistency and speed.​ Alexander Zverev, like Ben Shelton and Andrey Rublev the day before, advanced.

No French players remain in singles at the Rolex Paris Masters after a tough day for the host nation’s hopes on Wednesday. All four Frenchmen in action bowed out: Arthur Cazaux lost to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Alexandre Muller was edged by Felix Auger-Aliassime in two tiebreaks, Arthur Rinderknech fell in a three-set battle against cousin Valentin Vacherot, and Corentin Moutet was unable to overcome Alexander Bublik. With these defeats, the home crowd saw its last representatives leave the tournament as the last 16 was set